How Mariah Carey Made “Fantasy” With ODB | Genius Level

On November 14, legendary musician and songwriter Mariah Carey stopped by Genius for the latest installment of ‘Genius Level,’ our live conversation series with icons of the music business, including influential artists, songwriters, producers, and executives. During the conversation with Genius’ Head of Artist Relations Rob Markman, the 2019 Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee delivered a retrospective on her career just a few days before the release of her 15th studio album, ‘Caution.’

Mariah also reminisced about working with late Wu-Tang Clan member Ol' Dirty Bastard on “Fantasy (Bad Boy Remix),” a collaboration which helped make it cool for rappers to jump on R&B and pop tracks.

“They were like what is she doing? They really didn’t understand and it just became a thing,” Mariah remembered. “I was fortunate enough to have Ol' Dirty Bastard on the record ‘cause I was a huge fan… but certain people were like, 'I could do that. What is that? What is he doing?’ And I’m like, ‘No, no, no, no, no, just trust me, it’s, we’re good.’”

[DeathAtARaveOfficial]

ODB would slay these trap artist nowadays with that raw Brooklyn Shaolin-Style flow.

[shakazulu]

“I was a huge fan of 36 Chambers.”

It was at this moment I realized how much of Queen Mariah is. Peace to you Queen! What a boss woman!!

[Detrimental]

Me and Mariah go back like babies & Pacifiers

[barenaissance]

She’s definitely a pioneer in hip-hop. It’s stupid to deny at this point.

[mezmerizedlifejay]

One of the best Interviews with actual in depth questions. Genius Level needs to interview MC again 💯

[haildarthvegeta]

Mariah and ODB giving us this Fantasy remix track was a huge thing for our culture. A big move.

[BonitaKBabyy]

I love this version of fantasy never gets old. Rip 0db

[centricher]

This was the #1 hit song when I was born (November 9th 1995)

[ubucgqr]

RIP ODB. I was actually thinking of him two weeks ago.

[bazglsgw]

Mariah n Dame Dash collected ODB from jail. She was a true friend. Rest easy ODB 🎤🙌

[fafinito]

She mentioned 36 chambers she’s such an icon

[frankbjr]

This song changed the landscape of collabs 25 years ago...it’s a blueprint

[Wildchildchino]

ODB died before I was born and he’s I one of my favorite rappers of the past decades

[mikefrizzy]

Never seen Mariah sound so comfortable & hip hop. Rob the 🐐

[sBaby-zsee]

Mariah and Jodeci made that movement for 90s rnb and hip hop collab. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼they definitely need that recognition

[lamontthompson]

No one would have done it better than ODB

[groovytone]

“I loved 36 chambers” instantly made me a fan lol

[TheGamersGuide]

The person doing the interview is fantastic

[ThankYouVersionOf]

Thank you legend Rob Markman for asking the questions music heads been dying to know !!

[sonygoup]

So she's the first. Didn't know but that's something alright